How to Make a Thai Dinner with Only Five Ingredients
Thai cuisine is celebrated for its bold flavors and aromatic spices, but you don’t need an extensive list of ingredients to create a delicious Thai dinner. In fact, you can whip up a tasty meal using only five ingredients. Here’s how to make a simple yet flavorful Thai dinner that will impress your family or guests.
Essential Ingredients
For this Thai dinner, you will need:
- 1. Jasmine Rice
- 2. Thai Red Curry Paste
- 3. Coconut Milk
- 4. Mixed Vegetables (like bell peppers and broccoli)
- 5. Protein (such as chicken, tofu, or shrimp)
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these easy steps to prepare your Thai dinner:
1. Prepare the Jasmine Rice
Start by rinsing 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine the rice with 1 ½ cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is fluffy and all the water has been absorbed. Set aside.
2. Cook the Protein
In a skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of oil (if desired). If you're using chicken, slice it into thin strips; for tofu, cut it into cubes; and for shrimp, just peel and devein it. Cook the protein until it is browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add your mixed vegetables. Stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes until they become tender but still crisp. This will enhance their flavors and provide the perfect texture.
4. Create the Coconut Curry Sauce
Next, add 2 tablespoons of Thai red curry paste to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well to combine the paste with the veggies. Then, pour in 1 can (about 14 ounces) of coconut milk and stir until the curry paste is fully dissolved into the milk. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Combine and Serve
Add your cooked protein back into the skillet and let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the creamy Thai curry over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice.
Enjoy Your Thai Dinner!
With just five ingredients, you’ve created a delightful Thai dinner that’s full of flavor and very satisfying. This meal is not only easy to prepare but also customizable; feel free to experiment with different proteins or vegetables based on your preferences.
Whether you are cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, this simple Thai dish will surely be a hit. Enjoy the warm, rich flavors of Thailand right in your home!